Jefferson Parish Councilman Chris Roberts has waited three years to say four relieving words.

"I'm officially in remission," he said this afternoon.

Roberts, 31, was diagnosed in 2006 with follicular lymphoma, a cancer that affects white blood cells. He said he had his last chemotherapy session last fall.

On Friday, he will undergo a final surgery to remove the apparatus used to administer anti-cancer chemicals.

Follicular lymphoma is incurable, Roberts said, but it can be managed with proper treatment.

Roberts said he feels great, his health is good and his family is supportive of his continuing a career in politics. So much so on all fronts, in fact, that he finds himself looking to the next generation.

"I look at my kids and say to myself, 'Which one is most likely to go into public office?'" Roberts said. "My daughter is the most outgoing of the bunch. She's quite the handful."